Arteta Must Resolve Arsenal’s £175m Transfer Problem Before Gyokeres Deal
Arsenal transfer news: The Gunners must address a crucial striker decision before finalizing a deal involving Viktor Gyokeres.
Despite not acquiring a traditional striker last summer, Arsenal managed to surpass their previous season’s goal tally in the Premier League for 2023/24.
Gabriel Jesus, who was brought in at the start of the season, experienced a significant decline in form, contributing only four league goals and five assists after a promising start with the Gunners.
Gabriel Martinelli also saw a decrease in his numbers, dropping from 15 goals and five assists to just six and four, despite playing fewer minutes and making fewer starts.
Jesus initially impressed following his transfer from Manchester City, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in his first season, but injuries severely hampered his performance.
Interestingly, despite these key players not matching their previous season’s outputs, Arsenal’s overall goal tally still improved.
Bukayo Saka maintained his contribution with a different split between goals and assists, while Martin Odegaard’s numbers slightly declined.
However, their impact on the pitch remained significant.
The Striker Search
It’s intriguing to ponder why Arsenal is back in the market for a center-forward. Declan Rice’s contributions from midfield, including more assists than all but Saka and Odegaard, played a crucial role.
Leandro Trossard also had a productive season, scoring 12 goals from 18 starts and frequently coming off the bench.
Then there’s Kai Havertz. Brought in more as a false nine than a true striker, he delivered 13 goals and seven assists.
Though signed to play in midfield, Havertz often found himself in a more forward role, raising questions about Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy.
Mikel Arteta has expressed his desire for a genuine striker, rather than a midfielder doubling as one.
Initially, Arsenal’s priority was Benjamin Sesko, a 6ft5 forward, who showed great potential with an average of 2.82 shots per game, 1.55 on target, and 16 goals from a 7.7 xG.
Though raw and not the finished article, Sesko was seen as one of the most exciting prospects in his position.
Despite a slow start to the season, his form picked up towards the end.
However, Arsenal missed out on him, prompting a rethink in their striker search.
Alternatives and Decisions
Joshua Zirkzee, another tall forward standing at 6ft4, emerged as an alternative.
With a £35 million release clause, the 23-year-old had a decent season in Serie A, scoring 12 goals from 37 appearances and providing six assists.
Zirkzee is more of a link-up player than a pure penalty box striker, making him less of a like-for-like replacement for Sesko.
Viktor Gyokeres, on the other hand, is a different profile altogether.
At 26, he’s the oldest of the considered options and has yet to play in a top-five league.
Despite this, he had an impressive season in Portugal, scoring 29 times from 32 starts and logging ten assists.
Gyokeres’ release clause is now £85 million, and although his numbers were stellar, translating them to the Premier League is challenging.
Gyokeres also has experience in the Championship, where he scored 38 goals over two seasons with Coventry and added 15 assists.
Historically, Championship players have transitioned well to the Premier League, adding to his appeal.
Arsenal faces a significant £175 million dilemma in their quest to bolster their attack.
With various profiles and price points to consider, the decision will not only shape their transfer strategy but also their success in the upcoming season.
Whether they opt for a young, raw talent, prolific scorer, or a versatile player, solving this striker conundrum is crucial before finalizing a Viktor Gyokeres or any transfer deals.
